The Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) has recognized Floridas Orange County Schools for significant improvement in raising student test scores in math and reading. The CGCS is the only national organization dedicated to the advancement of large, urban public schools. It comprises 66 separate districts. Orange County Schools were one of only 9 big school districts to surpass state averages in math, and one of ten to do so in reading.
Orange County Schools view this as evidence of progress in closing the wide achievement gap experienced by minorities around the country. With 177,000 students in about 170 schools, Orange County Schools operate the 11th largest public school in the nation. Part of the challenge for Orange County Schools is to address the issues of diversity that often result with minority students lagging behind. Students attending Orange County Schools come from 179 different countries and speak 137 different languages and dialects.
One way Orange County Schools are trying to address issues of language diversity is by encouraging all students in foreign language fluency. Magnet programs in immersion and dual language are offered starting at...